Computer Science (HL/SL)

Entry Guidance

For students interested in taking SL and HL Computer Science, it is recommended that they have successfully completed the International GCSE Computer Science course or a course of similar rigour.

Course Aims

The course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. Underpinned by conceptual thinking, it aims to draw on a wide spectrum of knowledge to enable and empower innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. It will allow students to explore how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved.

Course Content

• Core content/SL: system fundamentals, computer organisation, networks, computational thinking, problem-solving and programming

• Additional higher level/HL content: abstract data structures, resource management and control systems. A case study is conducted on a topic which is announced each cycle, and forms the basis for questions in Paper 3.

• The options, of which students only have to study one, include: databases, modelling and simulation, web science and object-oriented programming.

Assessment Outline

HL Assessment Component Weighting

External Assessment (4 hours 30 minutes) 80%

• Paper 1: Core material (2 hours 10 minutes)

• Paper 2: Optional material (1 hour 20 minutes)

• Paper 3: Case study (1 hour)

Internal Assessment 20%

• Solution

SL Assessment Component Weighting

External Assessment (2 hours 30 minutes) 70%

• Paper 1: Core material (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Paper 2: Optional material (1 hour)

Internal Assessment 30%

• Solution

For Further Advice

Contact Sancho Cheung, Head of Science: Sancho.Cheung@dulwich-seoul.kr